JP7293414B2 - Wireless charging system with multi-coil scanning - Google Patents

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the priority benefit of US Provisional Application No. 62/449,460, filed January 23, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to wireless charging systems using multi-coil scanning and learning.

Wearable articles such as footwear, clothing, bracelets, watches and other wearable electronic devices often contain internal power sources. The internal power source may include a rechargeable battery and a recharging system for wirelessly receiving power to recharge the battery. The recharging system can include an external transmit coil that couples, for example, by electromagnetic induction, with an internal receive coil to utilize current induced in the receive coil to recharge the battery.

A system is a recharging device and comprises a plurality of transmitting coils arranged in a pattern, at least one of the plurality of transmitting coils establishing a radio link with a receiving coil located near the recharging device. a power source coupled to the plurality of transmit coils and configured to selectively power some of the plurality of transmit coils and transfer power to the receive coils; coupled to the plurality of transmit coils and to detect the electrical response of each of the plurality of transmit coils (indicative of the energy efficiency between one of the plurality of transmit coils and the receive coil) when powered by a power supply; an electronic data storage device coupled to the energy efficiency detection circuit and configured to store data indicative of the energy efficiency to generate a history of powering a plurality of transmit coils; a controller coupled to the electronic data storage device and the power supply and configured to cause the power supply to selectively power some of the plurality of transmit coils for statistical analysis of the history and energy transfer to the receive coils; At least one transmit coil is selected according to an electrical response exhibiting energy efficiency that meets a minimum efficiency criterion, and multiple transmit coils are selected if the at least one selected coil fails to meet the measured electrical response. A next transmit coil of the coils is selected.

Some embodiments are shown by way of example and not by way of limitation in the form of the accompanying drawings.

1 is an exploded view illustrating components of a motorized lacing system for an article of footwear, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 1 is a block diagram generally showing components of a motorized lacing system in an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 4 is an illustration of a recharging device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 4 is an illustration of a recharging device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 4 is an illustration of a recharging device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 1 is a block diagram of electronic components of a recharging system in an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flow chart for operating the recharging system in an exemplary embodiment; 1 is an illustration of a system in which the article of wear is an article of footwear incorporating a motorized lacing system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 1 is an illustration of a system in which the article of wear is an article of footwear incorporating a motorized lacing system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 1 is an illustration of a system in which the article of wear is an article of footwear incorporating a motorized lacing system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 1 is an illustration of a system in which the article of wear is an article of footwear incorporating a motorized lacing system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flow chart for fabricating a recharging device, in an exemplary embodiment.

Exemplary methods and exemplary systems are directed to wireless charging systems using multi-coil scanning and learning. The examples are merely representative of possible variations. Unless explicitly stated, components and functions are optional and may be combined or subdivided and operations may be permuted, combined or subdivided. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the illustrative embodiments. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, the subject matter may be practiced without these specific details.

A wireless charging system for a wearable article can include two or more primary transmit coils. By placing multiple transmit coils in or on the article, multiple transmit coils can cover an area larger than a single transmit coil can achieve. Thus, for example, multiple transmit coils can be arranged on or in the mat with coil centers spaced from each other. In such a configuration, the wearable article can be placed on the surface of the mat and the recharging system can power one or more of the transmitting coils and induce recharging currents in the receiving coils. . The recharging system optionally determines a particular one of the transmit coils that can most efficiently transfer power to the receive coils based on the current through each transmit coil, resulting in power being supplied from among the transmit coils. You can choose a specific one to do.

To determine the current through each transmit coil, the recharging system can sequentially power each coil, measure the current induced in the transmit coil, and then select the transmit coil with the highest current. can. However, doing so may necessarily and inherently require a significantly longer time to sequentially probe a large number of transmit coils. For example, it takes 1 second to evaluate the efficiency of any given transmit coil, and if 5 transmit coils are included in the recharging system, 5 seconds are required to identify the most efficient transmit coil. may be necessary. In many implementations of recharging systems associated with worn articles such as footwear with rechargeable batteries, delays in starting efficient recharging can be significant and particularly undesirable. For example, the wearer may request recharging of the footwear while wearing the footwear, or during a sporting event, for example, during the "timeout" or halftime break of a basketball game, a relatively rapid recharging of the footwear. I have something to ask. In such instances, the wearer will readily notice that many seconds have passed without recharging starting. Additionally, in situations where charging may only be possible for, say, 30 seconds to 2 minutes, the 5 seconds used to ascertain which transmit coils are in efficient alignment with the receive coils is the time available for recharging. a significant percentage of the total, and as a result can significantly reduce the percentage of recharging that will occur.

In particular examples of wearable articles, such as rechargeable footwear, the location of the receiving coil within the wearable article may depend on the size of the wearable article. For example, if a recharging coil
When an article of footwear is placed against a device containing a transmitting coil, such as a mat, the dimensions of the article of footwear allow the receiving coil to effectively interact with one of the transmitting coils, as long as it is placed consistently within the dosole. There can be a consistent tendency to end up linked. However, due to size differences, the receive coils of smaller articles of footwear will mate with different transmit coils than the receive coils of larger articles of footwear, assuming they are normally placed on the mat, as shown here, except for size. can be a trend.

Recharging systems have been developed that include multiple transmit coils. The recharging system is configured to sequentially power the individual transmit coils and identify the one with the highest measured efficiency among the transmit coils. The recharging system recognizes the transmit coils with the greatest efficiency over time and dynamically prefers these transmit coils during scanning. If a transmit coil meets an efficiency threshold condition, it may be used for processing during all or part of the recharge period, or the remaining limited number of transmit coils may be used. Efficiency may be examined over the recharge elapsed period. By doing so, the recharging system can quickly determine the transmitting coil to efficiently power the receiving coil, reduce the recharging time, and reduce the responsiveness of the recharging system to the wearer or owner of the wearable article. potentially improve the way you feel about

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of components of a motorized lacing system for articles of footwear, in an exemplary embodiment. Although the system has been described with respect to articles of footwear, it should be recognized and understood that the principles described with respect to articles of footwear apply equally and fully to any variety of articles of wear. The motorized lacing system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a lacing engine 102 having a housing structure 103, a lid 104, an actuator 106, a midsole plate 108, a midsole 110, and an outsole 112. Figure 1 shows the basic assembly sequence of the components of the automated lacing footwear platform. The motorized lacing system 100 begins by securing the midsole plate 108 inside the midsole. The actuator 106 is then inserted into an opening in the lateral side of the midsole plate, opposite the interface button that may be embedded within the outsole 112 . The lacing engine 102 is then dropped into the midsole plate 108 . In the example, the lacing system 100 is inserted under a continuous loop of lacing cables and the lacing cables are aligned with spools in the lacing engine 102 (discussed below). Finally, the lid 104 is inserted into a groove in the midsole plate 108 and secured in the closed position and held within a recess in the midsole plate 108 . The lid 104 can grip the lacing engine 102 and help the lacing cables maintain their position during operation.

FIG. 2 generally shows a block diagram of the components of the motorized lacing system 100 in an exemplary embodiment. The system 100 includes some, but not necessarily all, components of a motorized lacing system, such as an interface button 200, a foot presence sensor 202, and a processor. It includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCA) with circuitry 204, a battery 206, a receive coil 208, an encoder 210, a motion sensor 212 and a lacing engine housing 102 that encloses a drive mechanism 214, and the like. The drive mechanism 214 may include a motor 216, a transmission 218 and a lacing spool 220, among others. The motion sensor 212 is configured, in particular, to sense movement of the housing structure 102 or of one or more components within or coupled to the housing structure 102, either single or It may include multiple axis accelerometers, magnetometers, gyrometers, or other sensors or devices. In the example, motorized lacing system 100 includes magnetometer 222 coupled to processor circuit 204 .

In the example of FIG. 2, processor circuitry 204 is in data or power signal communication with one or more of interface buttons 200 , foot presence sensor 202 , battery 206 , receive coil 208 , and drive mechanism 214 . A transmission 218 couples the motor 216 to the spool to form the drive mechanism 214 . In the example of FIG. 2, button 200, foot presence sensor 202, and environmental sensor 224 are shown external or partially external to lacing engine 102. In the example of FIG.

In the example, the receiving coil 208 is located on or inside the housing 103 of the lacing engine 102 . In many examples, the receive coil 208 is located outside the main surface of the housing 103, such as the top or bottom surface, and in particular the bottom surface. In many examples, receive coil 208 is a qi charging coil, but any suitable coil can be used instead, such as an A4WP charging coil.

In the example, processor circuitry 204 controls one or more aspects of drive mechanism 214 . For example, the processor circuit 204 receives information from the button 200 and/or from the foot presence sensor 202 and/or from the motion sensor 212 and controls the drive mechanism 214 accordingly to tighten the footwear around the foot. , or may be configured to loosen. In the example, processor circuitry 204 is additionally or alternatively configured to issue commands to acquire or record sensor information from foot presence sensor 202 or other sensors, among other functions. In the example, the processor circuit 204 drives (1) in detecting the presence of a foot using the foot presence sensor 202 and (2) in detecting a specified gesture using the motion sensor 212. It sets the operating conditions for mechanism 214 .

Information from environmental sensors 224 may be used to update or adjust the baseline or reference value for foot presence sensor 202 . As explained further below, the capacitance value measured with a capacitive foot presence sensor can change over time, such as in response to ambient conditions in the vicinity of the sensor. Using information from environmental sensor 224, processor circuit 204 and/or foot presence sensor 202 can update or adjust the measured or sensed capacitance value.

3A-3C are perspective cross-sectional views of recharging device 300, according to an exemplary embodiment. 3A shows a perspective view of recharging device 300. FIG. FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of recharging device 300. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3C shows recharging device 300 in relation to user 301 holding an article of footwear (eg, article of footwear 600 described in detail herein).

As shown, recharging device 300 is a recharging mat that includes a housing 302 that forms a recharging surface 304 on which a wearable article, such as an article of footwear, can be placed. The recharging device 300 further includes multiple transmitter coils 306 configured to create a wireless connection, eg, an inductive wireless connection using the receiver coils 208 .

In the example shown, the recharging device 300 is configured to recharge articles of footwear, as described herein, and is configured with two recharging zones 308, 310. . Thus, one of the articles of footwear 308 , eg, the left shoe, can be placed in one recharging zone 308 , and the other article of footwear, eg, the right shoe, can be placed in the other recharging zone 310 . Each recharging zone 308 , 310 may include its own multiple transmit coils 306 . Thus, a first recharging zone 308 can include a first plurality of recharging coils 306 and a second recharging zone 310 can include a second plurality of transmit coils 306 . In the example, each recharging zone 308, 310 has dimensions of approximately 80 millimeters by 100 millimeters and the transmit coils 306 each have a diameter of approximately 40 millimeters. The two recharging zones 308, 310 can be treated for these purposes as separate recharging systems that happen to operate simultaneously with each other. That is, each recharging zone 308, 310 is in efficient alignment with any transmitting coil 306 within the zone with the receiving coil 208, even though each recharging zone may operate on a common electronic circuit. , and therefore powered during the recharging period, can be evaluated alone. However, it is recognized and understood that a recharging device 300 made in accordance with this specification can be made with more or less recharging zones 308, 310 to accommodate the wearable article being recharged. sea bream. Additionally, although for the purposes of this disclosure only one of the recharging zones 308, 310 may be described once, the principles disclosed with respect to the electronics and hardware of one recharging zone 308 may be applied simultaneously. It should be recognized and understood that the other recharging zone 310 can also be applied.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the electronic circuitry of recharging system 400 in an exemplary embodiment. In many instances, the components of recharging system 400 are all contained within recharging device 300 or an alternative stand-alone recharging device. However, it should be recognized and understood that any of the various components may be included remotely from recharging device 300 .

Each of the plurality of transmit coils 306 is electrically coupled with power supply 402 , energy efficiency detection circuit 404 , electronic data storage 406 and controller 408 . The power source 402 may be self-contained with a battery or coupled to an external power source such as a conventional wall outlet where sufficient voltage and current are available to direct energy to the receiving coil 208 according to specified parameters. At least one transmit coil 306 can be powered long enough to transmit to . In many examples, power supply 402 can also provide power to operate other components of system 400 .

The energy efficiency detection circuit 404 is configured to detect the electrical response of each transmit coil 306 when the transmit coil 306 is energized. The electrical response may be any electrical response that indicates the efficiency of the connection between transmit coil 306 and receive coil 208 . In an example, energy efficiency detection circuit 404 is an ammeter or ammeter. The connection efficiency between transmit coil 306 and receive coil 208 may be proportional to the current induced in transmit coil 306 when power supply 402 powers transmit coil 306 . Upon detecting the current through the transmit coils 306, the energy efficiency detection circuit 404 sends information to the controller 408 to identify the one of the transmit coils 306 that has the highest detected current and thus the highest energy transfer efficiency. , the detected current values among many transmit coils 306 can be compared. Controller 408 can also store the determined efficiency value in electronic data storage 406 . In such examples, the energy efficiency detection circuit 404 may allow the system 400 to operate without information from the worn article.

Efficiency values can generally serve as a history of past usage of system 400 . The history may include all such efficiency values, or may be limited in time, but may include, for example, the most recent predetermined number of obtained efficiency values. For example, the most recent 10, 20, 50, 100, or more, as desired, contexts where system 400 provides useful efficiency values for the purposes described herein. can be determined empirically.

Alternatively, the energy efficiency detection circuit 404 can measure the power delivered to the powered transmit coil 306, receive a measurement of the power received by the receive coil 208, and compare the two power values. be. In such instances, the wearable article in general, and the motorized lacing system 100 in particular, measures the power received by the receiving coil 208 and passes that measurement information to the system 400 and ultimately to the energy efficiency detection circuit 404. , and/or the ability to send to a controller. As a result, an energy efficiency detection circuit 404 and/or controller can be used to compare the transmitted energy with the received energy and determine which transmit coil 306 is best aligned with the receive coil 208. It is possible to give ratios or other measured differences.

The controller 408 can cause the power supply to sequentially power each one of the plurality of transmit coils 306 according to two modes. A first mode is a test mode, in which one transmit coil 306 can be powered at a time according to a predetermined sequence. The predetermined sequence is the instance in which the transmit coil 306 has the highest energy efficiency value determined above, stored and accessed by the controller 408 from the electronic data storage among the previous instances of powering the transmit coil 306. may be based on the order of The second mode is the power delivery mode, in which one of the transmit coils 306 undergoes a recharge period after it has been identified as having a suitably high efficiency or the highest efficiency. That transmit coil 306 is selected to process. In such an example, the selected transmit coil 306 supplies power to the receive coil 208 according to normal parameters until the recharge period expires, e.g. Either the operator terminates the recharge period before it is fully charged, or another factor terminates the recharge period (eg, safety conditions, timeout conditions, etc.).

In examples where multiple recharging segments 308, 310 are included, each segment 308, 310 is associated with each segment of the transmit coil 306 coupled to the common power supply 402, the energy efficiency detection circuit 404, the electronic data storage device 406, the controller 408. , each of which is configured to interact with multiple sets of transmit coils 306 simultaneously. Alternatively, each recharging segment 308, 310 may be implemented with a unique set of electronic circuitry for each segment. In such an example, it can be understood that the recharging device 300 includes multiple unique implementations of the recharging system 400, one recharging system 400 uniquely implemented for each zone 308,310.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for operating recharging system 400 in an exemplary embodiment. Although the flowchart is described with respect to recharging system 400, it should be appreciated and understood that the flowchart may apply to any suitable system or recharging device in general.

At step 500, the controller 408 averages the recharge efficiency values, eg, the measured current for each of the ten most recent efficiency values obtained in test mode, to determine a predetermined sequence. So, for example, transmit coil 306(1) has an average current measurement of 80 milliamps over the previous 10 time periods, transmit coil 306(2) has an average current measurement of 110 milliamps, and Transmit coil 306(3) has an average current measurement of 100 milliamps, transmit coil 306(4) has an average current measurement of 90 milliamps, and transmit coil 306(5) has an average current measurement of 120 milliamps. , the predetermined order would be: transmit coils 306(5), 306(2), 306(3), 306(4), 306(1).

At step 502, the controller 408 selects the highest of the transmit coils 306 that have not yet been tested. In the example above, the transmit coil 306 selected in the first round of test mode would be transmit coil 306(5). If a second round is required, then transmit coil 306(2) will be selected in the second round. In a predetermined sequence, and so on, until one of the transmit coils 306 is selected to perform a recharge period, or until all transmit coils 306 have been tested, as detailed below.

At step 504, the test mode is advanced by energizing the selected transmit coil 306, e.g., transmit coil 306(5) in the first round of test mode, for a relatively short time, and the efficiency value of the energized transmit coil 306 is calculated. can be obtained. Thus, in the above example, controller 408 causes power supply 402 to power transmit coil 306(5) for approximately one second.

At step 506, the current through the selected transmit coil 306 is measured by the energy efficiency detection circuit 404 as an energy efficiency value.

At step 508 , controller 408 receives an energy efficiency value (eg, sensed current) from energy efficiency detection circuit 404 and stores the value in electronic data storage 406 .

At step 510, controller 408 compares the energy efficiency value to a threshold condition. In an example, if the energy efficiency value meets a threshold condition, e.g., meets or exceeds a demand value, the controller 408 identifies the tested transmit coil 306 as the selected transmit coil 306 and performs step Proceed to 514. Thus, in the example, if transmit coil 306(5) has an energy efficiency value of 110 milliamps and the threshold condition is to meet or exceed 100 milliamps, the threshold condition is met. , controller 408 identifies transmit coil 306(5) as the selected transmit coil 306. FIG.

At step 512, if all transmit coils 306 have been tested, the controller 408 selects the one of the transmit coils 306 with the highest efficiency value in the instantaneous test mode as the selected transmit coil 306, and at step 514 proceed to If all transmit coils 306 have not been tested, controller 408 returns to process 502 to select the next transmit coil 306 in the predetermined sequence. Thus, in the above example, if transmit coil 306(5) was just tested, then transmit coil 306(2) would be tested. Thus, in the illustrative example, if none of the transmit coils 306 meet the threshold condition of 100 milliamps, but transmit coil 306(3) has the highest measured current of 95 milliamps, the controller will Identify (3) as the selected transmit coil.

At step 514, controller 408 proceeds to a recharge mode, causes power source 402 to energize selected transmit coils 306, and performs an energy transfer period, such as conditions described herein and/or known in the art. according to process the recharging period with the receive coil 208 until the energy transfer period ends.

Although the flowchart of FIG. 5 describes specific steps, it should be appreciated and understood that periodic variations of the steps may be implemented as desired. Thus, in an example, it may be desirable to ensure that at least two transmit coils 306 are tested in every given test mode. Thus, step 510 is modified to require at least two tests, and if at least one of those transmit coils meets the threshold condition, then the largest of the tested transmit coils 306 A transmit coil 306 can be selected that corresponds to an energy efficiency value. Additionally, it may be desirable to ensure that all transmit coils 306 are tested over time to provide current data for determining predetermined sequences. Thus, in an example, if a transmit coil 306 has not yet been tested over, for example, the aforementioned eight test modes, the predetermined sequence may include such transmit coil 306 first in the predetermined sequence. or, as a requirement at step 510, all transmit coils 306 are tested at step 510, among any of a variety of mechanisms to ensure that they are tested on a regular basis. sell.

Further implementations of the system 400 may allow transmission or otherwise capture of information from the wearable article to the system 400 to further facilitate the determination of the predetermined sequence at step 500 . The information may relate to physical characteristics of the worn article, such as the size of the worn article. The information may have been previously stored in the electronic data storage device 406 or may be transmitted from the wearable article to the system 400 at the beginning of the recharging period over a wireless connection between one of the transmit coils 306 and the receive coils 208. . Alternatively, information about the worn article during the test or recharge mode can be transmitted and stored in electronic data storage 406 for use during future recharge periods.

The wearable article modulates the load on the receiving coil 208, thereby adjusting the current flowing in the receiving coil 208, and thus the induced current in the powered transmitting coil 306, whereby information can be transmitted. Thus, in an example, the ammeter of the energy efficiency detection circuit 404 can detect current changes that the controller 408 can interpret as informative data. Additional or alternative wireless links, e.g., by conventional WiFi or Bluetooth® wireless methods, allow direct transmission of information instead of or in addition to a wireless link between coils 208 and 306. obtain.

6A-6D are images of system 400 in which the article of wear is an article of footwear 600 incorporating motorized lacing system 100, in an exemplary embodiment. Recharging device 300 is configured for multiple sizes of articles of footwear 600 (hereinafter "shoes", without limitation to the types of articles of footwear that may actually be utilized with recharging device 300). Therefore, the recharging device 300 is configured to hold a pair of shoes 600, and the recharging device 300 can be modified even if the pair of shoes 600 is one of various different sizes 600A, 600B. never ask. Thus, in the example, one pair of shoes 600A is a US size 7 shoe, while one pair of shoes 600B is a US size 16 shoe, and two pairs of shoes 600A, 600B are modified to recharger 300. recharging device 300 can be utilized in many instances, but not at the same time, without adding

FIG. 6A shows the size difference between the two pairs of shoes 600A, 600B in relation to the recharging device 300 and the two pairs of shoes 600A, 600B that can still be recharged by the system 400. FIG.

FIG. 6B shows an exemplary placement of receive coils 208 between two different pairs of shoes 600A, 600B and placement of transmit coils 306 within recharge zones 308,310. It is noted and emphasized that the size difference between the two pairs of shoes 600A, 600B results in different relative placement of the exemplary receive coil 208 within the two pairs of shoes 600A, 600B. Thus, the receive coils 208 in a pair of shoes 600A are more centered than the relatively off-center receive coils 208 in a pair of shoes 600B.

6C shows the placement of a pair of shoes 600A on recharging device 300 and the placement of receive coil 208 in relation to transmit coil 306. FIG. In particular, a pair of shoes 600A is shown in its normal, likely position on the charging device. Left shoe 600A′ is positioned on recharging area 308 and right shoe 600A″ is positioned on recharging area 310 . In the illustrated example, recharging device 300 is flat and does not rigidly secure shoe 600A in any particular orientation on recharging surface 304, so that individual shoes 600A', 600A'' are aligned with recharging surface 304. It is noted that the above could be in any of a variety of orientations.

In general, a user recharging shoe 600A is likely to place shoe 600A in a similar orientation when placing it on recharging surface 304 . The illustrated orientation shows shoes 600A generally parallel and centered within their respective recharging zones 308,310. However, although many users may consistently place shoes 600A relative to each other and recharging device 300 at angles, off-center, etc., the angles and offsets may tend to be consistent. Thus, the illustrated receive coil 208, which is positioned substantially parallel and centered, would be expected to be aligned with the transmit coil 306(2), but with an angled and/or off-center orientation. , any of a variety of other transmit coils 306, such as transmit coil 306(3), will provide the best efficiency. The operation of the controller is shown in FIG. 5, however, if the user is consistent in how they place the shoe 600A on the recharging surface 304, in the first example, the transmitter coil 306 The controller will find that (2) consistently gives the best efficiency and that transmit coil 306(2) will consistently be selected as the first transmit coil in a given sequence. Similarly, in the second example, transmit coil 306(3) would be consistently selected as the first transmit coil 306 in a given sequence.

If there is relatively little consistency in how the user places the shoe 600A on the recharging surface, a given recharging coil 306 tends to give the most efficient connection for increased frequency. It is noted that controller 408 is aware of one thing. Thus, even if one recharging coil 306 provides the most efficient connection 25 percent of the time, if no other recharging coil 306 provides the most efficient connection more frequently, that The recharge coil 306 will still be ranked first in the given sequence.

It is further noted and emphasized that the two recharging zones 308, 310 can be treated separately. As explained, it is not always the case that the same numbered transmit coil 306, ie, transmit coil 306(2), is in the most efficient position with receive coil 208. FIG. Thus, the user consistently positions shoe 600A' so that receive coil 208 is aligned with transmit coil 306(1) of recharging area 308, but place shoe 600A'' so that receive coil 208 is aligned with transmit coil 306. If aligned with (2), the controller 408 will set the transmit coil 306(1) as the first transmit coil 306 in the predetermined sequence for the recharge zone 308, but the transmit coil 306(2) will be set as the first transmit coil 306 in the predetermined sequence for the recharge zone 310;

FIG. 6D is an illustration of shoe 600B in a similar orientation as shoe 600A in FIG. 6C. However, due to the difference in size between shoes 600A and 600B, the associated receive coils 208 tend to align with different transmit coils 306 between shoes 600A and 600B. Thus, a given sequence for a user with shoe 600B consistently placing shoe 600B in the illustrated orientation, as opposed to shoe 600A, will tend to start with transmit coil 306(1). be.

If the user is inconsistent in how the shoes 600 are placed on the recharging surface 304, or if the user places different size shoes 600 on the recharging surface 304 from time to time, the predetermined sequence is: It is noted and emphasized that the chances of starting with a transmit coil 306 that actually aligns with the receive coil 208 are not very high. However, the operation of the flowchart of FIG. 5 still provides the most efficient transmission because the flowchart of FIG. It may tend to start the recharging period earlier than a recharging device 300 that does not dynamically select coil 306 . As such, system 400 can still generally be expected to initiate recharging mode before recharging systems that do not operate according to the flow chart of FIG. 5 and the principles disclosed herein.

As disclosed herein, the motorized lacing system 100 is generally capable of transmitting information regarding the shoe 600 to the recharging system 400. In an example, the motorized lacing system 100 can send the shoe size to the recharging system 400 . Controller 408 may incorporate such information, eg, information as described herein, in determining the predetermined sequence. Thus, if the shoe size is 7, controller 408 gives transmit coil 306(2) a bonus value, e.g., increases the past performance efficiency value by 20 percent, or can be set to be first in a given sequence. On the other hand, if the shoe size is 16, controller 408 may award a bonus value or set transmit coil 306(1) to be first in a predetermined sequence. As disclosed herein, when information is transmitted over the link between receive coil 208 and transmit coil 306, after a predetermined sequence has been established, information transmission occurs during the recharging period. Note that it is done. In such an example, the information is stored in the electronic data storage device 406 and utilized to set the predetermined sequence in the next recharging period, as disclosed herein.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for manufacturing a recharging device, in an exemplary embodiment. The recharging device may be recharging device 300 or any other suitable recharging device. Additionally or alternatively, the flowchart may be utilized to manufacture system 400, or any other suitable system.

At step 700, multiple transmit coils are arranged in a pattern within the housing of the recharging device, with at least one of the multiple transmitting coils establishing a wireless link with a receiving coil located near the recharging device. enable. In an example, the housing of the recharging device has a recharging surface configured on which a wearable article including a receiving coil is placed to place the receiving coil proximate to at least one of the plurality of transmitting coils. .

At step 702, a power supply is coupled to a plurality of transmit coils, the power supply configured to selectively power some of the plurality of transmit coils and transfer power to the receive coils.

At step 704, the energy efficiency detection circuit is configured to detect an electrical response of each of the plurality of transmit coils when the energy efficiency detection circuit is coupled to the plurality of transmit coils and powered by the power supply; A typical response indicates the energy efficiency between one of the plurality of transmit coils and the receive coil. In an example, the energy efficiency detection circuit comprises an ammeter and the electrical response is the current induced through each individual one of the multiple transmit coils.

At step 706, an electronic data storage configured to store energy efficiency indication data is coupled to the energy efficiency detection circuit to generate a history of powering the plurality of transmit coils.

At step 708, a controller is coupled to the electronic data storage device and the power supply, and the controller is configured to cause the power supply to selectively power some of the plurality of transmit coils, where the history and receive coils are At least one transmit coil is selected by statistical analysis with an energy efficiency electrical response indication that meets the minimum efficiency criteria for energy transfer to the If not, the next transmit coil is selected from among the multiple transmit coils. In examples, the controller is configured to determine a predetermined sequence of the plurality of transmit coils, further based on historical statistical analysis, wherein the controller selects the immediately following one of the plurality of transmit coils from the predetermined sequence. Selecting one is configured to select the next transmit coil from among the plurality of transmit coils. In the example, the predetermined sequence is also based, at least in part, on the length of time since each individual one of the plurality of transmit coils was selected. In examples, the length of time is at least in part the number of times the controller selectively energized at least one of the plurality of transmit coils without energizing individual ones of the plurality of transmit coils. based on In an example, the plurality of transmit coils is a first plurality of transmit coils and further comprises a second plurality of transmit coils coupled to the power source and the energy efficiency detection circuit, disposed within the housing, the recharging surface comprising: a first recharging area corresponding to the first plurality of recharging coils and a second recharging area corresponding to the second plurality of recharging coils; simultaneously selecting each one of the transmitting coils and each one of the second plurality of transmitting coils based on the receiving coils located near the first and second recharging zones, respectively; power properly.

(Example)
In Example 1, the system is a recharging device and comprises a plurality of transmitting coils arranged in a pattern, wherein at least one of the plurality of transmitting coils is a receiving coil arranged near the recharging device. A recharging device that enables establishing a wireless link and a recharging device coupled to the plurality of transmit coils and configured to selectively power some of the plurality of transmit coils and transfer power to the receive coils. and a power supply coupled to a plurality of transmit coils and the electrical response of each of the plurality of transmit coils when powered by the power supply (indicating the energy efficiency between one of the plurality of transmit coils and the receive coil ), and an electronic coil coupled to the energy efficiency detection circuit and configured to store data indicative of the energy efficiency to generate a history of powering the plurality of transmit coils. a data storage device and a controller coupled to the electronic data storage device and the power supply and configured to cause the power supply to selectively power some of the plurality of transmit coils for statistical analysis of historical and receive coil At least one transmit coil is selected according to an electrical response exhibiting an energy efficiency that meets a minimum efficiency criterion for energy transfer to and wherein the selected at least one coil fails to meet the measured electrical response. , the next transmit coil of the plurality of transmit coils is selected.

In Example 2, the system of Example 1, optionally wherein the controller is further configured to determine a predetermined sequence of the plurality of transmit coils based on historical statistical analysis, wherein from the predetermined sequence the plurality of Further comprising the controller selecting the next transmit coil of the plurality of transmit coils by selecting the immediately succeeding one of the transmit coils.

In Example 3, the system of any one or more of Examples 1 and 2 optionally further comprises the predetermined sequence further comprising, at least in part, each one of the plurality of transmit coils 1 Further including based on the length of time since one was selected.

In Example 4, the system of any one or more of Examples 1-3 is optionally configured such that the length of time is Further comprising based at least in part on the number of times at least one of the plurality of transmit coils is selectively energized without being energized.

In Example 5, the system of any one or more of Examples 1-4 optionally wherein the recharging device positions the receive coil proximate to at least one of the plurality of transmit coils To further include having a recharging surface configured to rest thereon a wearable article including the receiving coil.

In Example 6, the system of any one or more of Examples 1-5 optionally wherein the plurality of transmit coils is the first plurality of transmit coils and the power supply and energy efficiency detection Further comprising a second plurality of transmit coils coupled to the circuit, wherein the recharging surface corresponds to a first recharging area corresponding to the first plurality of recharging coils and a second plurality of recharging coils. and a second recharging zone, wherein the controller supplies to the power source each one of the first plurality of transmit coils and each one of the second plurality of transmit coils, each of the first and configured to selectively power simultaneously based on a receiving coil positioned near the second recharging zone.

In Example 7, the system of any one or more of Examples 1-6, optionally wherein the energy efficiency detection circuit comprises an ammeter and the electrical response is measured by individual currents of the plurality of transmit coils. It further includes being a current induced through each one.

In Example 8, the recharging device is a plurality of transmitting coils arranged in a pattern, wherein at least one of the plurality of transmitting coils establishes a wireless link with a receiving coil located near the recharging device. and a power source coupled to the plurality of transmit coils and configured to selectively power some of the plurality of transmit coils and transfer power to the receive coils, the and detecting the electrical response of each of the plurality of transmit coils (indicative of the energy efficiency between one of the plurality of transmit coils and the receive coil) when coupled to the plurality of transmit coils and powered by the power supply. and an electronic data storage device coupled to the energy efficiency detection circuit and configured to store data indicative of the energy efficiency to generate a history of powering a plurality of transmit coils. and a controller coupled to the electronic data storage device and the power supply and configured to cause the power supply to selectively power some of the plurality of transmit coils for statistical analysis of the history and energy to the receive coils. At least one transmit coil is selected according to an electrical response exhibiting energy efficiency that meets a minimum transmission efficiency criterion, and if the at least one selected coil fails to meet the measured electrical response, a plurality of of the transmit coils is selected.

In example 9, the recharging apparatus of example 8, optionally wherein the controller is further configured to determine a predetermined sequence of the plurality of transmit coils based on statistical analysis of history, wherein the predetermined sequence further comprising the controller selecting the next transmit coil of the plurality of transmit coils by selecting the immediately succeeding one of the plurality of transmit coils from .

In Example 10, the recharging apparatus of any one or more of Example 8 and Example 9 optionally further comprises the predetermined sequence further comprising, at least in part, each one of the plurality of transmit coils. Further including based on the length of time since one was selected.

In Example 11, the recharging device of any one or more of Examples 8-10, optionally wherein the length of time is Based at least in part on the number of times at least one of the plurality of transmit coils is selectively energized without energizing the other coils.

In Example 12, the recharging device of any one or more of Examples 8-11, optionally wherein the recharging device positions the receiving coil near at least one of the plurality of transmitting coils. further comprising having a recharging surface configured to rest thereon a wearable article including the receiving coil for placement on the body;

In Example 13, the recharging device of any one or more of Examples 8-12, optionally wherein the plurality of transmit coils is the first plurality of transmit coils, the power and energy Further comprising a second plurality of transmit coils coupled to the efficiency detection circuit, the first recharging area corresponding to the first plurality of recharging coils and the second plurality of recharging coils having a recharging surface corresponding to the first plurality of recharging coils. and a second recharging zone corresponding to the controller, the controller directing the power supply to each one of the first plurality of transmit coils and each one of the second plurality of transmit coils; Further comprising being configured to selectively power simultaneously based on receive coils positioned proximate the first and second recharging zones, respectively.

In Example 14, the recharging device of any one or more of Examples 8-13, optionally wherein the energy efficiency detection circuit comprises an ammeter and the electrical response is the power of the plurality of transmit coils. It further includes current induced within each individual one.

In Example 15, the method includes arranging a plurality of transmit coils in a pattern within a housing of the recharging device, wherein at least one of the plurality of transmit coils is wirelessly coupled to a receive coil located near the recharging device. and coupling a power supply to the plurality of transmit coils, the power supply configured to selectively power some of the plurality of transmit coils and transfer power to the receive coils. and energy configured to detect an electrical response of each of the plurality of transmit coils (indicative of energy efficiency between one of the plurality of transmit coils and the receive coil) when powered by a power supply. coupling an efficiency detection circuit to the plurality of transmit coils; and energy efficiency detection an electronic data storage device configured to store data indicative of the energy efficiency to generate a history of powering of the plurality of transmit coils. and coupling to the electronic data storage device and to the power source a controller configured to cause the power source to selectively power some of the plurality of transmit coils; and an electrical response exhibiting energy efficiency meeting a minimum efficiency criterion for energy transfer to the receiving coil, wherein the at least one selected coil produces the measured electrical response. If not, the next transmit coil of the plurality of transmit coils is selected.

In example 16, the method of example 15, optionally wherein the controller is further configured to determine a predetermined sequence of the plurality of transmit coils based on a historical statistical analysis, wherein the plurality of The controller is configured to select the next transmit coil of the plurality of transmit coils by selecting the immediately succeeding one of the transmit coils.

In Example 17, the method of any one or more of Example 15 and Example 16 is optionally further wherein the predetermined sequence further comprises, at least in part, an individual one of the plurality of transmit coils. Further including based on the length of time since one was selected.

In Example 18, the method of any one or more of Examples 15-17, optionally wherein the length of time is Further comprising based at least in part on the number of times at least one of the plurality of transmit coils is selectively energized without being energized.

In Example 19, the method of any one or more of Examples 15-18 is optionally further characterized in that the housing of the recharging device positions the receiving coil near at least one of the plurality of transmitting coils. further comprising having a recharging surface configured to rest thereon a wearable article including the receiving coil for placement on the body;

In Example 20, the method of any one or more of Examples 15-19 optionally wherein the plurality of transmit coils is the first plurality of transmit coils and the power supply and energy efficiency detection further comprising a second plurality of transmit coils coupled to the circuit and disposed within the housing; the recharging surface having a first recharging area corresponding to the first plurality of recharging coils; including a second recharging area corresponding to the plurality of recharging coils of two; are configured to be selectively energized simultaneously based on receiving coils positioned proximate the first and second recharging zones, respectively.

In Example 21, the method of any one or more of Examples 15-20 is optionally wherein the energy efficiency detection circuit comprises an ammeter and the electrical response is measured by the individual currents of the plurality of transmit coils. It further includes being a current induced through each one.

As used herein, the term "memory" refers to a machine-readable medium capable of temporarily or permanently storing data, including random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), buffer memory, flash. It can be interpreted to include, but not be limited to, memory, ferroelectric RAM (FRAM®), and cache memory. The term "machine-readable medium" should be construed to include a single medium or multiple media (eg, centralized or distributed databases, or associated caches and servers) that can store instructions. The term "machine-readable medium" may also be construed to include any medium or combination of media capable of storing instructions (e.g., software) for execution by a machine or processors. The instructions, when executed, cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods described herein. Accordingly, "machine-readable medium" refers to a single storage device or device as well as to a "cloud-based" storage system or storage network that includes multiple storage devices or devices. The term "machine-readable medium" shall therefore be construed to include, but not be limited to, one or more data storage locations in the form of solid-state memory, optical media, magnetic media, or any suitable combination thereof. .

Throughout this specification, multiple instances may implement a component, act, or structure described as a single instance. Although individual acts of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate acts, one or more of the individual acts can be performed simultaneously and it is not necessary to perform the acts in the order illustrated. no. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combination of structures or components. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein.

Several embodiments are described herein including logic, several components, modules, or mechanisms. Modules can be either software modules (eg, code embodied in a machine-readable medium or transmission signal) or hardware modules. A "hardware module" is a tangible unit capable of performing some operation and may be configured or arranged in some physical way. In many exemplary embodiments, one or more computer systems (eg, stand-alone computer systems, client computer systems, server computer systems) or one computer system (eg, a processor or group of processors) One or more hardware modules may be configured in software (eg, an application or application portion) as hardware modules that operate to perform certain operations described herein.

In some embodiments, hardware modules may be implemented mechanically, electronically, or any suitable combination thereof. For example, a hardware module may include dedicated circuitry or logic permanently configured to perform some operation. For example, a hardware module can be a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or a dedicated processor such as an ASIC. A hardware module may also include programmable logic or circuitry temporarily configured in software to perform some operation. For example, a hardware module may include a general purpose processor with embedded software or other programmable processor. The decision whether to implement a hardware module mechanically, with dedicated and permanently configured circuitry, or with temporary configured circuitry (e.g., software configuration) is a cost and time consideration. It is understood that it can be done in

Thus, the term "hardware module" encompasses a tangible entity, either physically constructed, permanently configured (e.g., with physical wiring), or temporarily configured (e.g., programmed). , an entity that operates in a certain manner or performs some of the operations described herein. As used herein, "hardware-implemented module" refers to a hardware module. Considering embodiments in which hardware modules are temporarily configured (eg, programmed), each hardware module need not be configured or instantiated at one instance in time. For example, if a hardware module becomes a special purpose processor with a general purpose processor configured in software, the general purpose processors may be configured as different special purpose processors (eg, with different hardware modules) at different times. Thus, software may configure the processor and, for example, configure a particular hardware module at one instance time and a different hardware module at a different instance time.

Hardware modules can provide information to and receive information from other hardware modules. As such, the described hardware modules may be considered communicatively coupled. When multiple hardware modules coexist, communication between two or more hardware modules may be accomplished by signaling (eg, through appropriate circuits and buses). In embodiments in which multiple hardware modules are configured or instantiated at different times, communication between such hardware modules may involve, for example, storing information in memory structures accessed by the multiple hardware modules. It can be achieved through readout. For example, one hardware module may perform operations and store the output of the operations in a communicatively coupled memory device. Additional hardware modules may later access the memory device to read and process the stored output. Hardware modules can also initiate communication with input or output devices and manipulate resources (eg, gather information).

Many operations of the example methods described herein may be performed by one or more processors configured temporarily (e.g., by software) or permanently configured to perform the associated operations. , can be at least partially performed. Whether temporarily or permanently configured, such processors constitute processor-implemented modules that serve to perform one or more of the operations or functions described herein. As used herein, a "processor-implemented module" refers to a hardware module implemented using one or more processors.

Similarly, the methods described herein are at least partially implemented in a processor, which can be exemplary hardware. For example, at least some of the acts of the method may be performed by one or more processors or processor-implemented modules. Moreover, one or more processors may also serve to support execution of related operations in a “cloud computing” environment or as “software as a service” (SaaS). For example, at least some of the operations may be performed by a group of computers (as an example of a device including processors), these operations being performed over a network (eg, the Internet) and one or more appropriate Accessible via an interface (eg, an application program interface (API)).

Execution of some operations may be distributed among one or more processors deployed across several devices, as well as within a single device. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more processors or processor-implemented modules may be located in a single geographic location (eg, in a home environment, an office environment, or a server farm). In other exemplary embodiments, one or more processors or processor-implemented modules may be distributed over several geographic locations.

Some portions of this specification are presented in terms of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on data stored as bits or binary digital signals within a device memory (eg, computer memory). These algorithms or symbolic representations are examples of techniques used by those skilled in the data processing arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. As used herein, "algorithm" refers to a non-self-consistent sequence of actions or similar process leading to a desired result. In this context, algorithms and operations involve physical operations of physical quantities. Generally, but not necessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals, which may be stored, accessed, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise combined by devices. It is possible to operate. Primarily for reasons of common usage, such signals are e.g. "data", "content", "bits", "values", "elements", "symbols" , "characters", "terms", "numbers", "numerals" and the like. However, these words are merely convenient labels and should be associated with appropriate physical quantities.

Unless otherwise stated, in this specification, for example, "processing", "computing", "calculating", "determining", "presenting", "displaying" Any descriptions made using terms such as "displaying" refer to data represented as physical quantities (e.g., electronic, magnetic, or optical) stored in one or more memories (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory). of a device (e.g., a computer) that operates or transforms within a component of a device (e.g., a physical memory, or any suitable combination thereof), a register, or other device that receives, stores, transmits, or displays information , which may refer to actions or processes. Further, unless otherwise stated, use of the term "a" or "an" herein includes one or more instances as commonly used in patent documents. Finally, the conjunctions “or”, “or”, “or” as used herein refer to non-exclusive “or”, “or”, “or” unless otherwise stated.

100 lacing system
102 Lacing Engine
103 Housing structure
104 lid
106 Actuator
108 midsole plate
110 Midsole
112 Outsole
200 interface buttons
202 Foot Presence Sensor
204 processor circuit
206 Battery
208 Receiving Coil
210 Encoder
212 Motion Sensor
214 drive mechanism
216 motor
218 transmission
220 Lacing Spool
222 Magnetometer
224 Environment Sensor
300 Recharger
301 users
302 Housing
304 Recharging Surface
306 transmission coil, recharging coil
308, 310 recharge area, recharge segment
400 recharging system
402 power supply
404 Energy Efficiency Detection Circuit
406 Electronic data storage
408 controller
600 Articles of footwear
600A size, 1 pair of shoes
600A' left shoe
600A'' right shoe
600B size, 1 pair of shoes

Claims (18)

a system,
A recharging device comprising a plurality of transmitting coils arranged in a pattern, at least one of said plurality of transmitting coils establishing a wireless link with a receiving coil located near said recharging device. a recharging device that enables
a power source coupled to the plurality of transmit coils and configured to selectively power some of the plurality of transmit coils and transmit power to the receive coils;
electrically coupled to the plurality of transmit coils and indicative of energy efficiency between one of the plurality of transmit coils and the receive coil of each of the plurality of transmit coils when powered by the power supply; an energy efficiency detection circuit configured to detect the response;
an electronic data storage device coupled to the energy efficiency detection circuit and configured to store data indicative of the energy efficiency and to generate a history of powering the plurality of transmit coils;
a controller coupled to the electronic data storage device and the power supply and configured to cause the power supply to selectively power some of the plurality of transmit coils, the at least one transmit coil comprising:
statistical analysis of said history;
selected according to said electrical response indicative of said energy efficiency meeting a minimum efficiency criterion for energy transfer to said receiving coils, if said selected at least one coil does not meet the measured electrical response; , a next transmit coil of the plurality of transmit coils is selected;
The controller is further configured to determine a predetermined sequence of the plurality of transmit coils based on the statistical analysis of the history, wherein the controller determines the immediately following one of the plurality of transmit coils from the predetermined sequence. A system that selects a next transmit coil of the plurality of transmit coils by selecting one. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the predetermined sequence is further based, at least in part, on length of time since each respective one of the plurality of transmit coils has been selected. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein all of said plurality of transmit coils are selected within a predetermined period of time. The recharging device has a recharging surface configured to rest a wearable article containing the receiving coil thereon to position the receiving coil in proximity to at least one of the plurality of transmitting coils. The system of Claim 1. The plurality of transmit coils is a first plurality of transmit coils and further comprises a second plurality of transmit coils coupled to the power source and the energy efficiency detection circuit, wherein the recharging surface comprises a first plurality of transmit coils. and a second recharging area corresponding to a second plurality of recharging coils, wherein the controller instructs the power supply to transmit the first plurality of each one of the coils and each one of the second plurality of transmit coils, based on the receive coils located near the first and second recharging zones, respectively, at the same time: 5. The system of claim 4, configured for selective powering. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said energy efficiency detection circuit comprises an ammeter and said electrical response is current induced through each individual one of said plurality of transmit coils. A recharging device,
a plurality of transmitting coils arranged in a pattern enabling at least one of said plurality of transmitting coils to establish a wireless link with a receiving coil located near said recharging device; a transmitting coil of
a power source coupled to the plurality of transmit coils and configured to selectively power some of the plurality of transmit coils and transfer power to the receive coils;
electrically coupled to the plurality of transmit coils and indicative of energy efficiency between one of the plurality of transmit coils and the receive coil of each of the plurality of transmit coils when powered by the power supply; an energy efficiency detection circuit configured to detect the response;
an electronic data storage device coupled to the energy efficiency detection circuit and configured to store data indicative of the energy efficiency and to generate a history of powering the plurality of transmit coils;
a controller coupled to the electronic data storage device and the power supply and configured to cause the power supply to selectively power some of the plurality of transmit coils, the at least one transmit coil comprising:
statistical analysis of said history;
and said electrical response indicative of said energy efficiency meeting a minimum efficiency criterion for energy transfer to said receiving coils, if said selected at least one coil does not meet the measured electrical response, a next transmit coil of the plurality of transmit coils is selected;
The controller is further configured to determine a predetermined sequence of the plurality of transmit coils based on the statistical analysis of the history, wherein the controller determines the immediately following one of the plurality of transmit coils from the predetermined sequence. A recharging device that selects the next transmitting coil of the plurality of transmitting coils by selecting one. 8. The recharging device of claim 7, wherein the predetermined sequence is further based, at least in part, on the length of time since each respective one of the plurality of transmit coils has been selected. 9. The recharging device of claim 8, wherein all of said plurality of transmit coils are selected within a predetermined time. The recharging device has a recharging surface configured to rest a wearable article containing the receiving coil thereon to position the receiving coil in proximity to at least one of the plurality of transmitting coils. 8. A recharging device according to claim 7. The plurality of transmit coils is a first plurality of transmit coils and further comprises a second plurality of transmit coils coupled to the power source and the energy efficiency detection circuit, wherein the recharging surface comprises a first plurality of transmit coils. and a second recharging area corresponding to a second plurality of recharging coils, wherein the controller instructs the power supply to transmit the first plurality of each one of the coils and each one of the second plurality of transmit coils, based on the receive coils located near the first and second recharging zones, respectively, at the same time: 11. A recharging device according to claim 10, configured for selective powering. 8. The recharging device of claim 7, wherein said energy efficiency detection circuit comprises an ammeter and said electrical response is current induced through each individual one of said plurality of transmit coils. a method,
A plurality of transmitting coils are arranged in a pattern within a housing of the recharging device such that at least one of the plurality of transmitting coils establishes a wireless link with a receiving coil located near the recharging device. a step of enabling;
coupling to the plurality of transmit coils a power source configured to selectively power some of the plurality of transmit coils and transfer power to the receive coils;
configured to detect an electrical response of each of the plurality of transmit coils when powered by the power supply, indicative of energy efficiency between one of the plurality of transmit coils and the receive coil; coupling an energy efficiency detection circuit to the plurality of transmit coils;
coupling an electronic data storage device configured to store data indicative of the energy efficiency to the energy efficiency detection circuit to generate a history of powering of the plurality of transmit coils;
coupling to the electronic data storage device and the power supply a controller configured to cause the power supply to selectively power some of the plurality of transmit coils, wherein the at least one transmit coil is ,
selected according to a statistical analysis of the history and the electrical response indicative of the energy efficiency meeting a minimum efficiency criterion for energy transfer to the receiving coil, wherein the selected at least one coil has a measured electrical a next transmit coil of the plurality of transmit coils is selected if the target response is not satisfied;
The method includes:
further comprising the controller determining a predetermined sequence of the plurality of transmit coils based on the statistical analysis of the history;
The method, wherein the controller is configured to select the next one of the plurality of transmit coils by selecting the immediately succeeding one of the plurality of transmit coils from the predetermined sequence. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the predetermined sequence is further based, at least in part, on a length of time since each respective one of the plurality of transmit coils was selected. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein all of said plurality of transmit coils are selected within a predetermined period of time. a recharging surface, wherein the housing of the recharging device is configured on which a wearable article containing the receiving coil is placed to place the receiving coil proximate to at least one of the plurality of transmitting coils; 14. The method of claim 13, comprising: wherein the plurality of transmit coils is a first plurality of transmit coils, and further comprising disposing within the housing a second plurality of transmit coils coupled to the power source and the energy efficiency detection circuit; wherein the charging surface includes a first recharging area corresponding to a first plurality of recharging coils and a second recharging area corresponding to a second plurality of recharging coils, and wherein the controller is connected to the power source; , a respective one of said first plurality of transmit coils and a respective one of said second plurality of transmit coils, respectively located near said first and second recharging zones. 17. The method of claim 16, configured to selectively power simultaneously based on receive coils. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said energy efficiency detection circuit comprises an ammeter and said electrical response is current induced through each individual one of said plurality of transmit coils.

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